Pass Labs AMP’s- What is the best Pass Amp Sound for You from past 10 years


So I have an XA-25 and its outstanding. I’ve tested the XA60.8 mono’s and there was not enough difference to move to them; no jaw dropping moments. Don’t get me wrong they were fantastic, but so is the XA25. Looking at the 350.8 or 250.8, etc.... even in comparison the Integrated INT-250... If you love it; want to explain what you like and why? I’m wondering what others are thinking... 
My set up: Wilson Sophia II’s, XA-25, Pass Labs XP-22 pre, Merging+NADAC. 
jahatl513
For me the pass Int-250,or X-250.5 (monoblocks XA 200.8) in combination with the preamp from EAR 868,912 or 918. A perfect combination.
jahatl513, yes, but the 25 doesn't have balanced inputs. That is a serious drawback to me as a reviewer. I build lots of systems with XLR, and that would cut out half of them. 

That may have been a tactical move on the part of Pass labs. If they were to stuff them with XLR then the unit might cut into the big boy amps in terms of sales. A company has to manage its products, and I respect that. Or, they might march the changes up the line and add XLR to follow on the lower model. 

I am currently running a pair of J2's as monos; only using 1 channel for each, and doubling up the speaker cable to the PureAudioProject Trio15 Horn 1 Speaker (reviewed). It's impressive to say the least, especially with a pair of Legacy Audio XTREME XD Subwoofers. Total of 8 15" woofers and horn system. When I apply my Schroeder Method of Interconnect Placement it becomes a completely different ball game.  

Pass/First Watt products are pretty easy to make sound respectable, and have good potential to be stunning. 
I purchased the 260.8 in dec and am happy....

I previously had in same system pass integrated 250 and difference is considerable.

The integrated is very good for an integrated but prefer tube integrated...

The monoblocks throw a massive soundstage and wonderful instrument separation and voices sound real.....sounds pretty neutral too...

I think each model should be considered on own merits and not generalize about company sound....also each room sounds different and rest of equipment synergy important.....i keep it simple buying same preamp company as amp ....

I tried the EAR 912 with the 260.8 with my harbeth 40.2 and found was sublime for jazz or vocals but bass was not good for modern rock

I thought of auditioning a different phono preamp than pass xp17 but like same company same current model synergy.....xp27 would be better still but way pricier and system already great sounding...

Will say system really began hitting all cylinders after upgrading power cable on pass preamp and fuses in pass preamp and phono (mono fuses cant be changed).....

Douglas_schroeder - your use of one amp..... sounds interesting and I’d like to understand it exactly.  Can you elaborate the details or is there a place to read up??  
Coming from the Conrad Johnson world. Everything is single ended so initially my pre was an excellent match for the XA25. Also the little amp is built to punch with authority way above its weight and an unusual onfiguration or deviation from the rest of the heard.  I’ve since updated to Pass XP-22 and all important inputs are on XLR into it and a significant upgrade.  
Teajay,

For the Ulf’s, do you prefer the Pass x250, the Aric SET KT88, or are there other amps that bring out their maximum capabilities?  I’m planning on significant upgrades 18 months out and currently doing my due diligence.  Thanks.